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Morning Briefing

The hottest show at the recent LA upfronts was the new Martin Scorsese-directed period piece set in Prohibition-era New Jersey. The HBO project, which screened its pilot at the annual LA event, has been hot property with international networks scrambling over each other to pick it up. No doubt it will filter through to us here in NZ sometime in the distant future.

Bret Michaels for American Idol?

The latest rumour to be circling American Idol is that Celebrity Apprentice contestant and Poison rocker Bret Michaels is being considered to take up Simon Cowell’s spot on the judging panel. Michaels, who was hospitalised recently with a brain aneurysm, is no stranger to reality TV and has become a household name in the States due to the recent events so he may just be a perfect fit.

Survivor producer wanted

An arrest warrant is out on former Survivor producer Bruce Beresford-Redman for the murder of his wife in Mexico earlier this year. Beresford-Redman, who also co-created MTV’s Pimp My Ride, has been the prime suspect in the case and Mexican authorities have now begun the extradition process to bring the producer back to Mexico to be tried.

Heroes creator talks finale

Heroes creator Tim Kring has detailed plans for how he’d like to wrap up the recently cancelled series. “There will be a huge cultural and social change in the world,” Kring told TV Guide. “Some [of our characters] will be hiding, some struggling, some basking in the glory.” Kring is confident of luring back the entire cast for the planned mini-series or movie wrapping the series.

House to finish next year?

House star Hugh Laurie has said he doesn’t know how long he will continue doing the show. The actor’s contract expires at the end of the next season but he says while he’s “open” to continuing beyond then he believes they will know next year whether they should continue making the series.

24 actor joins new spy drama

Former 24 actor Gregory Itzin has signed on to appear in a new drama Covert Affairs. Itzin, who played President Charles Logan in 24, will star in the new spy series which also features ex-ER man Eriq La Salle and Sendhil Ramamurthy from Heroes.

NZNTM auditions begin this weekend

Nationwide auditions begin this weekend for the second cycle for New Zealand’s Next Top Model with Auckland first up on Saturday. Check out this post for more details if you’re interested.